Helping Students Balance School and Work By Dr. Delores Johnson Price, Professor, Alabama A&M University

Most people have been affected in some way by our recessionary economy. Families with school-aged children have been particularly impacted by rising costs in food, clothing, fuel, and other consumer goods; and even loss of employment. In 2008, the Monthly Labor Review reported roughly 24 percent of youth aged 16-19 as attending school and working. In 2009, school costs such as cafeteria meals, supplies and fees, clothing, textbooks, and tuition may force even more high school and college students to work.

Increased Academic Requirements in High School and College
Along with the changes in the economy, students have more rigorous academic requirements for graduation. High school students need money but also the time to prepare for required classes for admission to college. Even more immediately, they must pass senior exit exams and other graduation requirements. Since the 1980s, more states have increased the number of courses required to graduate high school. Additionally, an increasing number of students are taking advanced courses and placement (AP) exams.

College students must satisfy increased college graduation requirements and state mandated exams as well. The state of Alabama requires that teacher education candidates pass the Praxis II exam before being granted a teacher certification. Young people are also finding that community service is required to receive scholarships and admission to college.

Tips to Help Students Balance School and Work

• Establish the mindset that school comes first.
• Let your employer know that your work schedule must revolve around school.
• Study as you commute to school whether by school bus, carpool, or public transportation.
• Buy a school organizer planner and use it.
• Stay abreast of assignments and test dates.
• Inform teachers and school officials that you work.
• Link community service to school and church whenever possible.
• Take time to eat, sleep, and relax.

Hours Students May Work
A work schedule of more than 20 hours a week may be a health risk for full-time students. If a student arrives to class or work in a sleep-deprived state, it is not only unproductive but can be dangerous. Students and employers must comply with the hourly restrictions in place during the school year. Youth working in retail, fast food, or commercial enterprises under age 16 cannot work past 7:00 p.m. when school is in session. Youth under age 19 cannot work past 10 p.m. on school nights if enrolled in school. Some studies have shown that students who work 30 hours a week or more are at-risk for dropping out of school.

Ways for Parents to Monitor and Support Working Students

• Get a copy of the school handbook with the yearly calendar.
• Go online to look at your child's grades or go to school and review grades.
• E-mail or telephone your child's teachers.
• Look at the school website and/or marquee for major dates and events.
• Review the homework hotline.
• Meet your child's principal, teachers, and immediate work supervisor.
• Keep a current phone number, address, and supervisor's name with your child's work schedule.

Rewards for Student Workers
The combination of school and work can be a challenging endeavor. But the work experiences gained in youth employment help develop character and contribute to growth and maturity. Student income also supplements family finances. Motivated students develop organization and good study and work habits. Student employers do allow flexibility in scheduling work hours. Wise employers guide and mentor students for future employment. Consequently, with support from parents, school officials, and employers, students can successfully develop and maintain a healthy balance between school and work.

Fort Wayne Newspapers. (2009, September 11). Balancing work and school. Retrieved October 1, 2009.

Morisi, T. (2008, February). Youth enrollment and employment during the school year. Monthly Labor Review. Retrieved August 8, 2009.

State of Alabama. (2009, May 19). Governor Riley signs child labor reform act. Press Release. Retrieved October 1, 2009.

The College Board. (2009). Balancing high school and part-time work. Retrieved August 6, 2009.

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